The thoughts and perceptions of an aspiring writer on life and the world around her

Monthly Archives: December 2017

In 1993, the late Governor Robert P. Casey Sr. signed the first Children’s Health Insurance Program into law in Pennsylvania, which later served as a model for the federal program Congress would enact a few years later. Westmoreland County’s then State Senator Allen Kukovich was instrumental in enacting this state program that he’s considered its founding father. Since 1997, the Children’s Health Insurance Program has provided matching funds to states for health insurance to children from families who can’t afford marketplace or employer insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Sponsored by the late Senator Ted Kennedy in partnership with Senator Orrin Hatch and supported by then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, it was the largest expansion of taxpayer-funded health insurance coverage for children in the United States President Lyndon B. Johnson established Medicaid in 1968. Today CHIP is a critical government program providing health insurance for nearly 9 million low-income kids as well as remains one of our nation’s most vitally important and widely supported programs. Thanks to CHIP, the United States enjoys has the highest rate of insured children in our nation’s history at over 95%.

On September 30, 2017, CHIP expired when lawmakers couldn’t agree on a 5-year reauthorization of the program. This puts millions of kids at risk of becoming uninsured, and in some cases, being denied the critical care they need to survive and thrive. Though states have remaining funds to keep their programs running for varying lengths of time, it’s an administrative nightmare for states that can’t plan ahead. But they may have to prepare for a possible shutdown of their CHIP programs well before they run out of money. As Alabama CHIP director noted, “This whole situation is causing chaos. We are causing confusion to families, stress and turmoil.” On December 15, Alabama officials were forced to announce that they’d stop taking new enrollees on New Year’s Day and the 84,000 kids (1/8 of the state’s children) currently in the program could lose coverage February 1. In my home state of Pennsylvania, the families of 174,000 children currently enrolled in CHIP are about to receive notices informing them that their insurance may be canceled while Colorado already has sent a letter back in September that their CHIP coverage will be canceled by the end of January. Utah has already submitted a request to the federal government to freeze their program’s enrollment. Some states such as Nevada, already have laws that force officials to freeze enrollment if federal funds decrease at all. By the start of 2018, more than half the states are projected to have used up their available funding. Across the country, families depending on CHIP are running out of time.

On December 21, 2017, Congress passed short-term legislation to fund CHIP until the end of March, which is said to cover an estimated 1.9 million children across 24 states and Washington D.C. which stood to lose coverage care like doctor visits and hospitalizations in January. But this temporary relief still leaves CHIP and the families who rely on it in uncertainty since as of December of 2017, there is no long-term fix in sight. As George Washington University professor Sara Rosenbaum told Bloomberg, “You can’t run an insurance program this way.” Essentially, lawmakers are forcing health officials running the program, “to go month-to-month.” Still, even with these short-term fixes, “there will be relief that the funding has been extended, but it will be combined with a lot of anxiety,” as Kaiser Family Foundation executive vice president Diane Rowland claimed.

Health coverage is critical for children to get a healthy start in life and high coverage rates mean more children have an opportunity to meet their potential. It is well understood that covering kids is an investment in our future since a child’s health, school performance, and future success are all linked. So it goes without saying that unhealthy children are at higher risk for school problems, failing, or dropping out. Children who have health insurance through CHIP or Medicaid have better access to healthcare and do better in school than their uninsured counterparts. And better school performance provides a foundation for future success in life. Thus, investing in children’s coverage programs means investing in not only children’s health, but also academic success and success later in life. CHIP is especially important to children with special health needs, children of color, children in working families, and children in rural communities. Without CHIP, there would be more uninsured children, increased healthcare costs and less access for kids with insurance, and great financial devastation for families with special needs kids. At any rate, losing CHIP will devastating to millions of families, which will mean uncertainty surrounding their children’s health, much higher healthcare costs and added financial burdens, for some, a complete loss in their children’s coverage.

There is no question that Congress must vote to continue funding CHIP or else coverage for the 9 million kids whose families depend on CHIP will be in jeopardy. Should federal CHIP funding end, states would need to adjust their budgets, either ending or significantly cutting back on existing CHIP programs. Options available to a state may depend on whether it operates a separate CHIP program or has CHIP as an expanded Medicaid one. Either way, children’s health coverage will suffer. Nevertheless, failing to fund CHIP will undo 20 years of progress as well as undermine our nation’s values. If we want our children to live and succeed in this country, then funding CHIP should be a top priority. As Americans, we have a moral, ethical obligation to take care of our children. But if we can’t protect children’s health insurance, what does it say about our values?

Now that the festivities are over, it’s time we await the Bowl season which takes place around New Years. If you’re an American, you know very well that the NCAA Div. I football playoffs usually consist of 4 teams competing for a championship. How they’re selected, I don’t know. But it’s certainly not fair that Ohio State didn’t get a spot despite winning their conference while Alabama did despite not winning theirs. Yes, we know it should be a playoff style with conference champs playing each other. But I’m not sure why the NCAA ever does this. However, if a Div. I college football team wins it conference, they should have a shot at the championship. Hey, it’s only fair. Anyway, for your reading pleasure, I give you another assortment of college sports treats. Sure some of them might be cookies and cakes but hey, I have to deal with what I can find. Enjoy.

Wolverine fans might want to get a load of this cake.

This one is covered with yellow icing and has the Michigan logo. Seems spectacular as a DIY.

2. Gator cookies always make a tasty Florida treat.

Well, University of Florida treats that is. Includes the logo, gators, footballs, and more.

3. Bet no Volunteers can resist this cake.

And it seems to have the cream orange and white polka dot patterns on the tiers. Yeah, I know it’s a horrifying color combination.

These are my grandparents from last year. Since my grandfather died a few weeks after that, this year will be my first Christmas without him. Though at least he had the courtesy to not die during the holidays. Yet, that didn’t do me much good since he died the week of my birthday.

Indeed, since Christmas is about family, we all have precious memories about opening presents and spending time with the ones we love. Unless, you’re spending the holidays in French castle during the 12th century. In that case, your parents are Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine and let’s just say you’re better off taking a tip from their daughters and spending Christmas with the in-laws. Then again, medieval royal families can be massively dysfunctional. Still, every family has their ups and downs. And it’s no exception on Christmas since there are moments that don’t go the way we plan. But sometimes these terrible times can result into hilarious photos we’ll all laugh at in hindsight. So for your reading pleasure, I give you another assortment of awkward moments from Christmas past.

Seems like someone’s Christmas has gotten quite a bit grouchy.

Actually this family took a weird looking tree and turned it into an Oscar the Grouch Christmas tree. Yes, it’s a rather trashy yuletide touch.

2. There are some people who don’t care for surprises.

You can see that someone doesn’t like using wrapping paper on presents. But seems obligated anyway.

3. For unto us a kitten is born.

I’m sorry but using your cats in your nativity themed Christmas card will only result in fits of laughter. This is especially if a cat plays baby Jesus and an angel.

4. Apparently, cat crazies aren’t just limited to one gender.

This guy has 3 cats and a bunny rabbit. And he even sports a mullet. I’m sure there’s a reason why he hadn’t snatched a crazy cat lady by now.

5. Evidently, milk and cookies just won’t do for Santa this time around.

And here’s a young girl pouring some Stella Artois along with some nachos and salsa. Not sure if it does Santa any favors.

6. Sometimes you have to bare all to be the reindeer.

As this chubby baby has done for a Christmas card. Then the parents just add antlers.

7. It’s always the smallest among us who sense the danger.

Yes, that Santa Claus has the face of a serial killer. But only the youngest knows he’s out for blood. Run for your lives, kids!

8. This Christmas, everyone’s got the face of a dog.

Because the dog’s picture is photoshopped on the family members. And they’re all on a dolphin in a waterfall background. Seems like Cousin Phil has been on the brown acid again.

9. A tea party with your stuffed animals is precious, if you’re a child.

If you’re an adult, it just makes you look pretty pathetic. This is especially if you use such an image for your Christmas card.

10. You should always remember to keep a close eye on your children.

I’m sure photoshop had something to do with this picture. Because no parent in hell would let their kids climb up a roof, especially at their age.

11. I’m sure these kids will definitely be on Santa’s naughty list this year.

Yes, these kids have gone down a very bad road. Still, you have to wonder whether someone called child services on their parents.

Now it’s on to ice sculpture. You might see plenty of these at special events at least at the small scale. But large ice sculptures exist as well as you see above with the ice buildings in Harbin’s International Ice and Snow Festival in China. It has increased in size over the years and has involved talented artists all over the world with more impressive techniques and pieces to show. But you have other events associated with ice sculptures as well. In the United States, you have the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska which attracts nearly 100 sculptors from around the world each year to carve ice blocks in front of 45,000 spectators. In Canada, there’s the Quebec City Winter Carnival which is regarded as one of the best in the world. And in Japan, we have the Sapporo Winter Carnival. In a small Swedish village, there’s an ice hotel that’s reconstructed each year. Anyway, for your reading pleasure, I give you another treasury of ice creations. Enjoy.

An ice antelope can always seem majestic.

Yes, an antelope may resemble a deer. But it has horns which stay on a male for life.

2. This angel wishes all peace on earth and good will toward men.

I guess this is for Christmas. Because angels are usually seen as yuletide motifs for the holidays.

3. Seems like we have an ice statue of Santa or some wizard.

Actually this is supposed to be Dede Moroz or Grandfather Frost. He’s basically the Russian equivalent to Santa by the way.

4. How about a couple of flying fish on ice?

Yes, these animals exist by the way. Though strange, this pair looks quite graceful.

5. A harp still needs played even if it’s falling apart.

Well, there’s strings coming off it. But the guy still keeps strumming along.

6. You’d almost think this mask was a real face.

Okay, it’s an ice mask. But you have to admire the artistry on the features.

7. Bet you’ve never seen an ice ship like this before.

Well, it’s a wooden ship made out of ice. It may look awesome but you wouldn’t want to be on one.

8. Try sitting on this ice bench.

Though it may look stunning, sitting on it will give you a wet ass. Because ice is basically frozen water.

9. Surely you’d be impressed by this lovely ice ballerina.

Includes a violin and harp. Wonder if this is for a party or something. Lovely.

10. You might be enchanted by this ice fish.

This takes the notion of a frozen fish to a whole new level. But an ice fish like this is only meant for decoration.

11. Anyone from Mexico might delight in this ice display.

I’m sure this wasn’t carved in Mexico. But the image is on the Mexican flag. The eagle with the snake is based on Aztec legend.

12. Care for some tiki fun on ice?

Consists of palm trees and tiki statues. By the way, tiki statues are seen as religious icons in Polynesian culture.

13. Perhaps you might like this fancy ice parasol.

It’s made in a ice lace pattern. Still, looks incredibly delicate that you wouldn’t want to touch it.

14. Anyone would think this ice castle is magical in a fairy tale.

Yes, this is indeed amazing. And it’s lit in a wide array of colors.

15. Even sea monsters need to find love once in awhile.

Yes, this is indeed touching when you look at it. And you can’t help but love these sea monsters nuzzling each other.

16. This set of wheels is entirely frozen.

This is a car made almost entirely of ice. And it’s one you’d imagine Queen Elsa driving around in her kingdom.

17. You’ll see unicorns charging out of this ice ball.

Seems like something you’d see on top of a building. But it’s stunning nonetheless.

18. Seems like there’s a train coming around the corner.

Well, it’s a train coming out of a tunnel. And even the smoke on this is frozen solid ice.

19. Come see a knight in shining armor slay the dreaded dragon.

Yes, it’s quite stunning and dramatic. But I’m sure many of you have seen such scenes before.

20. What ice festival wouldn’t be without a couple of penguins?

They’re even surrounded by a wall of ice. But in Antarctica, they’re usually huddled around open ice.

21. You can even have a majestic Greek god encased in ice.

Not sure which one of the gods it’s supposed to be. But he looks fabulous among the columns.

22. Gaze upon this Chinese lion.

This is said to be by Ai Wewei. He’s a controversial artist in China since he’s not cool with politics there.

23. You can’t see anything more graceful than an icy mermaid.

Though she seems to have a rather weird fish tail. Nevertheless, it’s quite lovely.

24. Hang the American flag proud on this bald eagle in ice.

Well, it’s an eagle along with the guys who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. A quality American ice sculpture if there ever was one.

25. The centaur can always strum her harp.

In Greek mythology, centaurs were all guys. Just so you know. Still, this is pretty.

26. Sometimes flying on a bird puts you over the moon.

The bird’s wings are spread out in the likeness of the crescent moon. And the woman’s hair is swept up.

Now it’s on to the snow sculpture. Though a snowman is the most famous example of one, there are plenty winter carnivals in the world where you’ll see amazing things you can do with snow. Of course, you need a lot of it which you don’t usually have in southwestern Pennsylvania. But in the United States, you’ll find plenty of snow sculptures at winter festivals in the Midwest and around the Rocky Mountains. The most famous among these is the Breckinridge International Snow Sculpture Championships in Colorado. Canada also hosts many as well with their best known being the Quebec City Winter Carnival. However, the most prolific winter art event is the Harbin International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival in China, which is the largest of its kind in the world. But Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival also has plenty of ornate buildings of snow that make Queen Elsa’s mountain castle seem like child’s play. Anyway, for your reading pleasure, I give you another assortment of wondrous snow sculptures.

Perhaps you want to stay safe and warm in this teepee.

Well, it’s made of snow. But it certainly seems like a cozy place to spend the night.

2. These polar bears are just relaxing on a fishing trip.

Despite that fish is a major staple in their diet. And they often use their claws to catch food.

3. You can easily marvel at this mechanical creation.

Sure it doesn’t literally work. But it’s quite detailed in the snow as you can see.

4. Even in winter, you can always ride the waves.

Okay, this is in Colorado during winter. But when it comes to snow creations, you can always use your imagination.

5. Winter is always the season for snowboarding.

Well, that’s more like something you’d see for a winter carnival. Though you’d kind of wish he had a helmet on.

6. Seeing these snow children is difficult to resist.

This is from Harbin in China by the way. But they’re nevertheless adorable to behold.

7. It’s never too cold for this fire breathing dragon.

Yes, it certainly looks impressive. Seems like it’s blowing through something right now.

8. Anyone from Scandinavia could marvel at this Viking head.

Of course, Vikings didn’t wear helmets in their everyday lives. But you have to awe at this Norse creation.

9. Never thought I’d see a turtle in the snow.

Because turtles don’t usually function in cold weather. But this guy seems pretty happy in its shell.

10. Elsa would be green with envy over this snow palace.

This is undoubtedly from China or Japan. But it’s nonetheless a magnificent sight.

11. This seems to be quite the roller coaster ride.

Okay, maybe not since there’s not much of a track. But the tiny snow people seem like they’re having a good time.

12. You might want to check out this snow mammoth.

Sure they may be extinct. But from what this sculpture depicts, a mammoth must’ve looked spectacular.

13. Didn’t know you can see Quetzalcoatl during a snow festival.

He’s the Mesoamerican feathered serpent, you know. And he just wants to say hello from his fire.

14. This snow dog sees its own reflection.

I’m not sure if the frame holds a mirror or not. Perhaps we’ll never know. But it certainly looks amazing.

15. Care to stay in this snowy home?

Yes, it’s another Japanese palace. Though it certainly stands out in lights at night.

16. You might come across some blossoms in the snow.

These lovely roses are from a winter festival in Japan. The detail on this is especially intricate.

17. Get a load on this giant walrus.

Someone could even stand on top of it. But those tusks are noticeably awesome.

18. A mighty eagle always stands tall with its catch.

Well, someone seems proud of itself. And the fish seems quite long.

19. Who’d thought a gorilla can be such a gentle creature?

Actually, those who study them do when you don’t piss them off. But it’s quite sweet to see this guy with a butterfly.

20. Get a glimpse of this spectacular war bonnet.

Though just to be clear, if you’re not a Plains Native American, you shouldn’t wear a warbonnet. Because that’s just straight up cultural appropriation.

21. It’s almost as if you found this mermaid on the beach.

But she’s lying in snow. Yeah, I know it’s kind of weird. Still, use your imagination.

22. Perhaps a polar bear might want a Coke.

Well, polar bears have appeared in Coca Cola commercials. So this isn’t far fetched.

23. Didn’t know mammoths would play ball in the snow.

Of course, they wouldn’t. But it’s quite amazing that it won a prize in a contest.

24. Guess someone has to blow their long horn.

This is from a 1951 winter festival. Yes, some of these events are that old.

25. Seems like the Big Bad Wolf hasn’t gotten to grandma yet.

Funny, how they don’t show the wolf dressed as the grandma in this display. Still, an awesome fairytale depiction in snow.

26. You’ll find all these otters gathered in one place.

Because otters are just brimming with cuteness. So why not make a whole snow family of them?

27. Prepared to be amazed with this spectacular snow castle.

This one would make Queen Elsa completely envious. And yes, it’s pure fairy tale magic.

28. This snow maiden could bring music to anyone’s ears.

She plays a large flute in the snow. I suppose her music is the sound of the winter winds.

29. I’m sure you’ll find this Japanese castle impressive.

Yes, it’s another East Asian styled castle. But you have to admire the roof on this.

30. You find the eagle and the wolf in union with the sun.

This is from Quebec and in a Native American style. Not sure what tribe or myth this is from though.

31. Nobody wants to run into a big fish.

Unfortunately, this guy wasn’t so lucky. Yet, this sculpture is clearly a masterpiece.

32. A snow elephant always stands tall.

Didn’t think I’d see one in the snow before. Because elephants usually live in warmer climates.

33. Nobody should miss these lovely snowbirds.

There’s a certain style to them. As if their wings consisted of lovely white fans.

34. There’s something sacred about this snowy shrine.

Well, it certainly seems like it to me. But it’s nonetheless stunning on this snowy landscape.

35. You can always use some Disney magic at any winter festival.

As you can see, this is a Disney themed snow sculpture. Includes key Disney characters and Cinderella’s castle.

36. You’ll find these two in front of a large butterfly.

I think these must be Shinto gods from Japanese mythology. Not sure what their names are though.

37. A horse can always look majestic in the snow.

Seems like it rises from the snow almost as if it’s part of it. And it has a rather amazing mane.

38. Seems like someone’s awfully close to a dragon.

Though to be fair, Asian dragons aren’t like their European counterparts. They’re more like sages than straight up villains. But nonetheless fierce.

39. Snowflakes come in all kinds of sizes.

And these are only the pretty ones you want to see. The biggest snowflakes are in the White House and the US Capitol.

40. You’ll find plenty of majestic geese flying in the sky.

Well, this is an artistic scene of a flock of birds flying. And yes, it’s certainly a masterpiece.

41. Everything seems to be under this large umbrella.

Sure it may not protect people and buildings from the rain. But you have to appreciate the artistry on here.

42. The world of dinosaurs was an especially brutal one.

Has a T-Rex attacking a Triceratops. However, if you see enough nature shows, predators usually go after the young, old, and sick for easy pickings.

43. Sometimes it takes a large stone gate.

This is a Japanese structure as far as I know. Yet, it’s nevertheless magnificent.

44. A face has become obscured among the leaves.

Though you’d be hard pressed to see. But yes, sometimes you can see sculptures like this at these winter events.

45. Elephants always have to stay together.

And I’m sure the adults are both females. Because elephant males usually hang out alone or in small groups.

46. Butterflies are beautiful on all sides.

I think there might be more than one butterfly here. But it’s quite a lovely sight in the snow.

47. Nothing pleases the soul like hanging around the fountain.

This one has children hanging around. Though the fountain is quite lovely.

48. You’d swear this giant could play beautiful music on a winter’s night.

This one has someone playing the violin in the snowly landscape. And it’s quite a magnificent sight to behold.

49. You might want to feast your eyes on some of these nesting dolls.

You can tell because one of these is inside another. And yes, they all seem to look the same.

50. Ever seen a rodeo on the snow before?

Well, the cow’s kind of weird looking. But any cowboy or girl would adore it.

51. This cat loves to play with the fish bowl.

Have to like how the bowl is almost invisible. Still, it’s quite stunning to see.

52. You’d find a moose embedded on this giant antler.

This is from Anchorage, Alaska. And yes, you can bet they probably have snow sculptures there. Lovely.

53. Someone must’ve gotten in the trash for scraps.

Well, raccoons are known to get into garbage. Yet, this is kind of amusing for some reason.

54. If you like The Force Awakens, this is the snow sculpture for you.

This one features Kylo Ren. You know the Star Wars villain who killed his own dad.

Since Christmas is only a week away, perhaps we should take a break for awhile for some winter creations. Though you can’t really build a snowman where I live during this time (since it hardly snows), it’s nevertheless part of the Christmas motifs especially with the song “Frosty the Snowman” and the cartoon adaptation. As shown, a typical snowman consists of 3 snowballs of varying size, two sticks for arms, a carrot nose, rocks for eyes and buttons, and often a hat and/or scarf. Sometimes a snowman could be depicted with a corn cob pipe but since tobacco use is low and most smokers don’t use pipes, you’re less likely to see one. Nevertheless, on a snowy day, you’ll find plenty of snowmen in all shapes and sizes. So for your reading pleasure, I give you yet another assortment of unique snowmen to enjoy.

A snowman should always have a feline companion.

Funny, he has his very own snowcat. And the cat has little twigs for whiskers.

2. Care for a boat ride on the ice?

Because he’d basically melt if he was on water. Still, this is pretty clever.

3. It’s a nice day for a drink on the patio.

Looks like a family. Though it seems like one can’t reach the table while sitting.

4. Looks like this guy’s passed out.

And he’s a against a wooden post, seemingly naked. If he was a human, he’d be arrested for indecent exposure.

5. Apparently, he always tries to be well-informed.

Seems to read “Times of Israel.” Guess he’s Jewish. Because this sure as hell doesn’t seem like Israel.

A perennial favorite on my blog during the holidays seems to be my ugly Christmas sweater posts. Of course, back in the day to receive one of these as a gift was a monumental embarrassment. Today, you’ll find plenty of people putting on these tacky apparel for Christmas parties. And sometimes the tackier the better. For instance, take what I’m wearing above. The sweater and the headband are actually my mom’s which she wore for a Christmas party at work. Because I don’t really have anything this tacky in my closet. And today, I’ll surely bring you more since you’ll find plenty on Pinterest or any online search. So for your reading pleasure today, I give you another assortment of spectacular ugly Christmas sweaters. Enjoy. By the way, some of these might not be safe for work.

A holiday sweater like this makes you a favorite customer at Starbucks.